/bee"geuhl/ , n.
one of a breed of small hounds having long ears, short legs, and a usually black, tan, and white coat.
[ 1490-1500; perh. beegueule one who whines insistently, equiv. to bee, 3d pers. sing. of beer to be open, gape (by-form of bayer (see BAY 2 ) + gueule mouth (of an animal); see GULLET ]